Introduction
This document will explain the basic steps in paint filling sandblasted items. It is important to follow the steps to ensure consistent and efficient production.
PAINT TYPES
Paint from a spray can is used effectively on sandblasted items. Quick Dry Enamel for any job is normally recommended as it is FAST drying. Most paint types work though. What is important in paint choice is that you buy a good quality brand for a great result. Dulux Quick Dry Enamel works well. Cheap paint often does not have good opacity.
2 Pack paint can also be used but requires air from a compressor and a spray gun.
SPRAY CAN APPLICATION
When using a spray can to paint fill sandblasted item:
- Clean the sandblasted area with an air hose to remove any dust.
- Ensure you are working in a dust free, well ventilated area.
- Shake can really well.
- Spray off to the side to observe paint flow, now spray onto the item from around 25cm.
- Apply light (thin) coats, allow coat to become touch dry before applying subsequent coats.
- Three good light coats will give you good coverage so you don’t see the abrasive surface.
- When finished, turn can upside down and spray until you see clear coming out of the nozzle, it is important to do this so the nozzle does not clog up.
- Ensure you allow sufficient time for the paint to dry before peeling back the resist, or you may end up with furry edges.
- Plan painting so that you can remove the main resist on the same day. You can then leave overnight and remove the small areas after. The danger in leaving the full painted resist overnight is firstly the paint layer will harden and may peel out of etched area when removing, and secondly the resist has been left on for a long time and can become harder to remove. So plan your day.
- Packing a painted item whilst the paint has not fully cured will damage the item.
Product Nuances
In most cases the process is the same for all materials. However here are a few Nuances to consider.
Outdoor Exposure - If the product is going outdoors we recomend using a suitable paint. We suggest car ducco paint which can be purchased in a spray can or a 2 pack paint through spray gun.
Porouse Stone - For all stone we recomend using a high quality paint such as car ducco. When the stone is quite porous such as sandstone, basalt, some pavers and bricks we recomend using a clear primer to prevent bleed into areas outside painting area.
Using a Primer - a clear primer can help stop bleed on porous stone and timber. A white primer can help keep the integrity of the final colout when this is important. IT prevent the material colour effecting the final colour.
Colour Matching - Many people want their specific pms colour and so you need to find a local suplier that can mix colours to a specific pms colour. many can put it into a spray can fro you.
In Summary
- Clean sandblasted item with air before paint filling to remove all dust.
- Quick dry enamel spray can recommended.
- Ensure you have a clean, dust free, ventilated area.
- Light thin coats is the key, 3 good coats is sufficient.
- Touch dry between coats.
- Clean nozzle at the end of painting.
- Don’t pack it up until paint is cured or you will damage it.